Oct 31, 2014

As you will have noticed by my lack of posts recently that I'm quite a busy cookie. Often a by-product of being busy is being stressed, and we all know that being stressed is bad for our health. Not only does it age us (my primary concern on a beauty blog! ;) ) but it is a leading cause of illness. I prefer not to get stressed for another reason altogether - Stress sweating. Sweating is not a delicate nor a pleasant topic to talk about so wouldn't you rather get a product that dealt with it so you don't have to worry about it? Exactly what I thought.

Enter NIVEA's new Stress Protect Clinical Strength roll-on. I can think of countless occasions when this product could have come to my rescue.

Back in April I strutted my stuff as a runway model for The Carpenter's Daughter at Wellington Fashion Week. It was probably the most nerve-wracking/stressful time of my life. I was teetering in 4-inch heels on a slippery floor with a long runway ahead of me. Not to mention the three outfit changes in the nick of time (including the all-leather one!) or the rows of faces eyeing me up as I walked. I was petrified and the wall of snapping cameras at the end of the runway didn't help. Not just to protect the clothes, but to keep cool, calm and collected, this product would have been worth a million dollars to me that day.

That time in July that I was privileged to apply makeup to our Prime Minister's beautiful wife Bronagh Key. My shaking hand didn't lie as I applied her lipstick but my armpits would have if I had been wearing this anti-perspirant. I was nervous!

Then in September I actually met the Prime Minister. Again, close range encounters with the most important man in New Zealand could have been improved through the use of this product. I only had one shot at a half-decent selfie, so a deep breath in and a smile at the fact that any body odour was controlled would have been a god-send.

What I'm trying to say is that this product works. I mean really works.

You apply it at night-time when your body is more receptive to the formula and then again in the morning. What you get is clinical strength round-the-clock cover from stress sweating. There's no point getting anxious over something you can fix.

I'll tell you where I am planning on wearing it. My wedding. The most nerve-wracking/stressful day of my near future. Can you imagine a receiving line in the March heat with armpit issues? No thanks!

You would think a miracle product like this would be hard to come by, but it's not. You can pop it in your trolley at your weekly grocery shop for around $15. You might even win one for yourself and your man too.

I'm giving away two double packs of deos (one for you and one for your guy) over on my...Instagram page: @beautybylizylink

May 3, 2014

Hi Beauty by Lizy readers,Lizy has been on my case for about 2 years to write something, so here I am.These are some of my favourite products that I use often.

01: FCUK Connect Him - The man-fume (fragrance) that Lizy bought me back in 2009. Still heaps left so good value for money, or I just don't use enough of it, one of the two! It's not too overpowering or chemical smelling compared to some other fragrances I've tried. It's Lizy's favourite on me so that's probably how I was given it! I like to wear it out on more special occasions rather than a day-to-day basis.02: Savar Man Multi Active Moisturiser - Haven't had any of this for a while because I used it all up, but I really like it because it's light, not greasy, smells nice and absorbs fast. It spreads well so I don't need to use much of it. It comes in a massive container so it lasts a long time. Lizy bought me this for Christmas a couple of years ago.03: Oxygen Skincare 2 n 1 Cleanser - I was in the shower and used some of Lizy's new cleanser, I really liked it and asked her if I can keep using a bit because it works really well. It's got little scrubby bits that cleans my nose area really well but it's not too rough. Lizy told me off for only using a flannel and hot water. I'm a personal trainer and work out everyday between clients so it's good to have a product to clean my face properly. (Lizy's edit - I love this product after the gym too!)04: Oxygen Skincare Soothing Moisturiser - I stole this off Lizy when I developed a dry, flaky patch of skin around my nose (to which Lizy replied "what has gone wrong with your face?!"). I've had it before, kind of like a mild dermatitis and which Lizy assured me this product would fix. It's done a pretty good job and it fixed it in a couple of days. I'm really happy with it. 05: NIVEA Cool Kick Deodorant - I bought this once a long time ago and Lizy's like "OMGosh what are you wearing?" and liked the smell of it. Now she buys it for me all the time. It's just a nice deodorant. I like roll-ons better than sprays and it smells more like an aftershave. I like it that you don't get the 'Oh, I've just sprayed Lynx Africa' effect.06: La Prairie and Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip balms - Got these on international flights, and I use them more in winter because they actually work. They were really good in Canada in the cold and they are great here around this time of year. These ones don't just sit on my lips all greasy and shiny and actually soak in and do what I want it to do. (Lizy's edit - these balms are great! Wish I would have gotten more of the La Prairie ones, but they are Chris' faves haha)

May 2, 2014

I'm back with another Mother's Day gift suggestion today, and it's one that your mum will thank you for daily.

Everyone needs shampoo and conditioner, so why not go one step further and get her something truly luxurious that she can enjoy every morning. I think great quality hair care products have the ability to transform not only your hair (due to better ingredients) but also your whole outlook on life. When you use quality products, your mindset changes to "I deserve quality, I deserve the best". Our mums are so hard working and it's nice to be able to treat them with something that they may not normally spend a bit of money on.

Enter, a beautiful hair care gift pack! I personally have been using and loving the SP Hydrate range and I took it away on my recent trip to Queenstown. Everyone can use a little hydration so the range is quite universal, however if your mum colours her hair, or likes a little volume, get her something tailored to her needs.

Since using the Hydrate range, my hair has become softer and easier to style. It doesn't weigh my (fine) hair down and it promotes shine. A winner in my books.

The best part about buying a gift pack is the savings! You get much more bang for your buck when purchasing a set than if you were buying individual products, and it normally works out that you get an entire product for free.

Here are a selection of some brilliant gift packs on offer for Mother's Day:

May 1, 2014

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I'll be offering you some fabulous gift suggestions over the next few days to treat that special lady in your life.

I love my mum more than anything and always try to get her special things each year. She prefers acts of service but I prefer showering her with special treats ;)

I'll only give my mum the best and I've never met a Savar product that I didn't like. This Nourishing Body Lotion is a limited edition release and is a perfect gift. It's a whopping 500ml and it doesn't only look great with its glass bottle and floral design, it's also incredibly effective.

After only a few uses my skin was noticeably much more hydrated and smooth. As usual it's a 99% pure and natural creation that contains many plant oils to nourish and protect. The pump applicator speeds things up in the morning (so does the fact that it's fast absorbing) and you can bet it smells great! I got my MIL to try it too and it got her seal of approval.

Savar also offer a gift-wrapping service when you purchase online at www.savaronline.co.nz. If needed, you could just get it sent direct to your mum's house. They also have a wide range of gift sets that would make a lovely pressie too.

Mar 21, 2014

I am SO excited about the launch of Schwarzkopf's Essence Ultime by Claudia Schiffer range.

From Monday you will be able to purchase salon-worthy products at the supermarket or pharmacy. The Crystal Shine range is now firmly on my wishlist and I can't get over how great the Omega Repair BB Beauty Balm sounds. A BB cream for hair? Sign me up!

Claudia also helped to developed a new range of hair dyes called Blonde Ultime (alright I'll give it to you this time blondies! ;) ) that will retail for $18.99; much cheaper than a trip to the salon.

Mar 18, 2014

If you ask any of my friends or family, they'll say that I'm the most festive person they know. I get excited about Christmas in October, and then once the countdown to New Years is over, I'm already looking forward to Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day and Easter.

I don't need any excuse to celebrate life and little holidays along the way keep things interesting.

So in honour of yesterday being St Patrick's Day, I thought I'd show you how I celebrated.

- I started the day with a green beer Spirulina drink that I dubbed a Shamrock Smoothie!

- I donned a mint-green jersey.

- I dug out and applied a green eyeliner

- I gave myself a green manicure

The L'Oreal Nail Polish is in shade 849* and is called Vendome Emerald. It's one of the Color Riche Vernis polishes and is a gel-based formula with a built-in top coat. I am in love with the Color Riche formula and hope they never discontinue them because I have plans to buy more. The brush is so incredibly easy to use, it's rounded and thick so it nearly coats the entire nail in one swoop. The formula is opaque enough from the first coat and the finish is smooth.

I love Essie nail polishes but the brush isn't as good as the L'Oreal ones. I applied 'Going Incognito' on my ring finger for accent and topped it with Chi Chi 'Kim Wannabee Hilton', a gold glitter.

I'm trying to do my nails more often and I'll remember to show you when I do.

- I decorated festive cupcakes for family and friends.

I made some little 'pot of gold' cupcakes with a hole in the centre which I filled with mini marshmallows. Then I iced over the hole and put a couple more mallows on top. Just a quick, sweet treat for my nearest and dearest.

So that is what I did to make sure St Paddy's Day wasn't just a passing day.

Mar 14, 2014

If you read this post about my weight loss journey then you'll know that it's a fairly recent thing; however I've directed all my time and energy to make my life healthier and I'm seeing some results. I've re-joined my gym and I am LOVING it! I knew that I would try my best to workout at the beginning of this journey but I did not know that I would ENJOY going to the gym 4 times a week. I'm so happy with how everything is going.So I put together this little collage to show you what things I have been using and loving so far. Green Juice - I have been juicing up a storm lately (literally, Cyclone Lusi is probably my fault ;)! I enjoy going to the fresh food market on Saturday morning and stocking up on lots of delicious fruit and veges to make my juices and smoothies. I wouldn't eat a whole leaf of Kale, but I sure would drink it. I'm making sure to up my intake of nutritious foods and this is such an easy way to do it.Nike Free Run 5.0 Shoes - I'm in love with my Nike Free Run 5.0's and I'm so glad I made the investment last year. I've started doing more running interval training and these shoes are the best. So comfortable and light, really easy to wear and work out in.Pink, the Truth About Love CD - I don't always take my music to the gym but when I do, I'm always cranking this Pink playlist. The songs give me such a good push and it motivates me to continue doing something 'til the next song'. Do you guys do that? Think, "I'll just keep running til the next song?". It's awesome. I like Pink's older songs too and always start my workouts with 'Raise Your Glass'. Megan from Honey We're Healthy blog has such a great workout playlist that I'm working on creating - link.

Comfy Workout Pants - It's so important to wear comfy clothes to work out in so you can bend, flex, run etc and not be too restricted by tight clothes. I like ones that have some support (i.e fitted capri pants) but that aren't death-grip tight. I just means you might have to lose a couple of kilos before you can wear that pair :)L'Oreal Nail Polish - Okay so this isn't technically a 'fitness' necessity but I feel that if I look good then I have better confidence and just generally want to keep going with my workouts (weight loss) etc. It's important to make yourself feel good along the way so that you are happy with your decision to change your life and know that you can treat yourself. I'll be getting a pedicure next week and things like that motivate me to wear fancier shoes etc. It all helps to build up your self esteem and confidence. And lets be honest, if you have wet nails you aren't going to be dipping your hand into a chippie packet in a hurry! I love L'oreal Nail Polish right now.Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil - Remember back to my first post where I said I wanted to try anything that would help me look better? Well this comes under that category. I apply this oil after showering to legs and arms (sometimes hips and tum) with a Manicare body massager tool that I have. It really stimulates by blood circulation and hopefully is starting to break up the fat! I have seen results in the way of smoother skin and if nothing else it is a fantastic body moisturiser. I'm going to keep using it and see how I go.I've been trying lots of other cool supplements and things lately that I'm going to dedicate a whole post to. This is the exciting bit:Total Weight Loss so far - 3 kgsThanks for all your support so far. Please keep it coming! - Lizy xx